Abstract: A voice mail messaging display system having a means for receiving telephone calls, and a data processor or computer coupled to the means for receiving telephone calls. The computer has a memory storing a voice mail program and a message board program. The voice mail program answers the telephone calls received by the means for receiving telephone calls and generates message records of the telephone calls. The message board program uses the message records and generates a display signal based on the message records. A signal conversion mechanism is coupled to the data processor and converts the display signal to a desired format. The converted display signal is delivered to at least one display device positioned in an area where a large number of people may see the display. Any person who is a subscriber of the system may review the display to determine if he or she has received any messages and, if so, may then dial into the computer to retrieve his or her messages.
Abstract: A closure clip for fastening closed a bag or similar article having a unitary, generally flat, slotted body having at least two elongated juxtaposed space-apart members. The members define at least one slot extending longitudinally between the members and the members are further shaped so that the slot has a wide, bag-gathering area located in an open end of the slot. The slot transitions from the bag-gathering area to a narrow bag-accepting area located at a closed end of the slot. The invention also includes at least one aperture located in the body spaced-apart from the members and the slot and sized to accommodate a human's finger or thumb. A closure clip is fastened and removed from the open end of a bag using arm strength and is not reliant on finger strength or dexterity making the clip particularly user friendly.
Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a surfactant-based neutral cleaner in a wash liquor, a hand-held apparatus, and a test kit for carrying out the method are provided. According to the method, a cleaner composed of the cleaning agent, an amount of a reducing sugar that is proportional to the cleaning agent, and a sugar preserving agent, is added to a wash solution. A sample of the resulting wash liquor is applied to an enzyme system that reacts with the reducing sugar to form a colored end product. After a suitable time interval, the color of the reaction product can be photometrically measured to provide a color intensity value that is correlated to the amount of reducing sugar in the wash liquor, which, in turn, is correlated to the amount of cleaning agent in the wash liquor. The portable apparatus can be packaged with associated test supplies and reagents in a test kit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
March 26, 2002
Assignee:
Environmentally Sensitive Solutions, Inc.
Abstract: An electronically controlled cooking apparatus for preparing and cooking food, such as a roaster oven, includes a main body having a bottom portion or base with sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, a cover for covering the main body of the cooking apparatus, and a control assembly for controlling operation of the cooking apparatus that is mounted to the bottom of the base in a recessed pocket formed therein. The control assembly is mounted in the recessed pocket in a spaced apart relationship such that there is a gap between the control assembly and the recessed pocket, allowing air to circulate around the control assembly for keeping the control assembly and its internal circuitry cool. The control assembly includes a control panel covering the front of the recessed pocket and extending outwardly therefrom.
Abstract: Right and left coronary catheters that are designed to be used in a transradial coronary catheterization are provided. The catheters have a proximal end, an extended body portion, and a shaped distal end with two curved portions and a tip. When advanced into the ascending aorta, the curved portions of the distal end cooperate with the aorta to engage and maintain the tip of the catheter within the selected coronary ostium during a coronary procedure. Also provided are methods of inserting the catheters into a right or left coronary artery by a transradial approach, and using the catheters in a diagnostic or interventional procedure to selectively deliver an imaging dye or tool to the coronary artery of interest.
Abstract: A water pressure system includes a pressure tank installed underground within the well casing of a well. The water pressure system includes a submersible pump connected to the inlet of the pressure tank by a drop pipe. The outlet of the pressure tank is connected to a second drop pipe and in turn to a discharge pipe for distribution of pressurized water to a house or other building. A pressure switch is connected to the pressure tank for controlling the submersible pump. The pressure tank includes an outer sidewall with an inlet end and an outlet end. An expandable diaphragm bladder located within the outer sidewall is connected between the inlet and outlet of the tank. A tube extends through the center of the bladder between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The tube has a plurality of holes therein to allow water to flow through the tube and into and out of the expandable bladder. Pressurized air fills the empty space between the bladder and the outer sidewall to pressurize the water in the bladder.
Abstract: A viewer for gemstones allowing a person to view the light performance of a gemstone having a 360-degree light unit positioned above a base where the stone is placed. The light unit is attached to an adjustable mounting bracket which allows the bracket and light unit to move vertically through use of a control mechanism. The base allows for secure and consistent placement of the gemstone, and positioning of a light control structure, preferably made from a reflective material, over the stone. The position of the stone is under the center of the light unit and light control structure. The light control structure has an aperture to allow the light from the light unit to enter.
Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower having a hydrostatic drive system with individual brake control levers coupled to a linkage mechanism which when actuated releases hydraulic pressure in the hydrostatic drive system to slow rotation of rear drive wheels for improved steering and control of the lawn mower. The lawn mower includes a mower deck, a mower deck, and a control console extending between handle bars attached to the rear of the mower deck. The drive system comprises an infinitely variable speed control from forward, neutral, and reverse. Steering is accomplished by two independent wheel brakes, which are controlled by right and left hand brake control levers located adjacent respective handgrip levers. Squeezing one of the brake control levers partially releases the internal hydraulic pressure by the opening of a dump valve to effectively produce a reduced transmission drive condition.
Abstract: A portable, stackable, all-in-one, combustible fuel package composed of a carton without internal structure and containing a fire starting material and charcoal or other combustible material, a one-piece carton blank for forming the carton, and methods of assembling and using the carton and its components to provide a heat source are provided. The carton blank is a simple design for easy assembly of the carton. The container maintains the firestarter separate from the charcoal material and allows direct access to the firestarter for its removal from the container. The carton includes selectively deployable legs structured to raise the carton off of a surface sufficient for placement of the firestarter under the carton and allow air flow to the base of the container to maintain the burning of the firestarter and charcoal material inside the container.
Abstract: An ergonomic attachment for inline power tools reduces the forces, stresses, and tensions experienced by operators of inline power tools. The ergonomic attachment includes a removable attachment mechanism, which attaches to the base of the inline power tool. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket and a U-shaped member, which extends around the base of the inline power tool and is fastened to the bracket by fasteners to secure the attachment device to the inline power tool. Pivotally attached to the attachment mechanism is a padded ergonomic support member. The ergonomic support member includes an elongated horizontal portion and an inverted U-shaped portion. The attachment is spring loaded with a helical spring connected between the attachment mechanism and the support member. The spring forces the inverted U-shaped portion downwardly against the top of an operator's forearm.